U.S. patent application number 13/760106 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-08 for apparatus for aerating and filtering wine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nathaniel HAWKINS. Invention is credited to Nathaniel HAWKINS.
Application Number | 20130202757 13/760106 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48903113 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130202757 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAWKINS; Nathaniel |
August 8, 2013 |
APPARATUS FOR AERATING AND FILTERING WINE
Abstract
An apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle
includes a first end for receiving at least a portion of the
bottle. The apparatus additionally includes a second end defining a
chamber for receiving the wine. The chamber is in fluid
communication with the bottle. The apparatus further includes an
intermediate portion for filtering and aerating the wine as the
wine passes from the bottle, through the apparatus and to the
chamber.
Inventors: |
HAWKINS; Nathaniel;
(Greensboro, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HAWKINS; Nathaniel |
Greensboro |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48903113 |
Appl. No.: |
13/760106 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61595324 |
Feb 6, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/474 ;
99/323.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C12G 1/005 20130101;
B01F 3/0446 20130101; B01F 3/04751 20130101; B01F 13/002 20130101;
C12H 1/063 20130101; B01F 2215/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/474 ;
99/323.1 |
International
Class: |
B01F 3/04 20060101
B01F003/04; C12G 1/00 20060101 C12G001/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle, the
apparatus comprising: a first end for receiving at least a portion
of the bottle; a second end defining a chamber for receiving the
wine, the chamber in fluid communication with the bottle; and an
intermediate portion for filtering and aerating the wine as the
wine passes therefrom from the bottle to the chamber and back to
the bottle.
2. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle of
claim 1, wherein the chamber is partially defined by a removable
cap.
3. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle of
claim 1, wherein the first end flexes to accommodate the
bottle.
4. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle of
claim 1, wherein the second end has a flat surface for supporting
the bottle when the bottle is inverted.
5. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle of
claim 1, wherein the chamber is at least 750 ml in volume.
6. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 1, wherein at least the intermediate portion defines a first
channel for the passage of wine and a second channel for the
passage of air.
7. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 1, wherein the first end, the second end and the intermediate
portion are unitarily formed of plastic.
8. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 1, wherein the first end includes a pair of spaced apart
arms.
9. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 6, wherein the first and second channels cooperate to define
a longitudinally extending opening, the longitudinally extending
opening having a generally circular cross section, the generally
circular cross section being equally divided by a longitudinally
extending wall.
10. An apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle, the
apparatus comprising: a first end for receipt in an opening of the
bottle; a second end for receipt in an opening of a secondary
container; and a central portion for filtering and aerating the
wine as the wine passes therethrough.
11. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle
of claim 10, wherein at least the central portion defines a first
channel for the passage of wine and a second channel for the
passage of air.
12. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 10, wherein the first end, the second end and the central
portion are unitarily constructed.
13. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 10, wherein the first end, the second end and the central
portion are unitarily constructed of plastic.
14. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 11, wherein the first and second channels are generally
parallel to one another.
15. The apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 11, wherein the first and second channels cooperate to define
a longitudinally extending opening, the longitudinally extending
opening having a generally circular cross section, the generally
circular cross section being equally divided by a longitudinally
extending wall.
16. A method for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle, the
method comprising: providing an apparatus including a first end, a
second end, and an intermediate portion therebetween; engaging the
first end with the wine bottle; engaging the second end with a
secondary container; and transferring the wine from the bottle
through the apparatus and to the secondary container so as to
filter and aerate the wine as the wine passes through the
apparatus.
17. The method for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle of
claim 16, further comprising transferring the wine from the
secondary container, through the apparatus and back to the
bottle.
18. The method for aerating and filtering wine from the bottle of
claim 16, wherein the second end of the apparatus is formed to
define the secondary container.
19. The method for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 16, wherein at least the intermediate portion defines a first
channel for the passage of wine and a second channel for the
passage of air.
20. The method for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle of
claim 16, wherein the first and second channels cooperate to define
a longitudinally extending opening, the longitudinally extending
opening having a generally circular cross section, the generally
circular cross section being equally divided by a longitudinally
extending wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/595,324, filed on 06 Feb. 2012. The entire
disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the aeration and
filtering of wine. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to an apparatus for aerating and filtering wine.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] It has long been appreciated that the taste and enjoyment of
wine may be enhanced with sufficient aeration and proper filtering.
Through aeration, the flavor profile of wine may soften and mellow
and the overall flavor characteristic may improve. Typically, red
wines are most in need of "aeration" or "breathing" before serving.
There are certain white wines, however, that may also improve with
air exposure.
[0005] Simply uncorking a bottle of wine is generally not
sufficient to adequately aerate. There is not enough surface area
of the wine at the top of the bottle to permit enough air to make
contact with the wine. Thus, wine is frequently decanted prior to
serving.
[0006] In addition to simple decanting, various devices are known
for aerating wine. For example, devices are known which affix to
the tip of the wine bottle so as to aerate while pouring. Also
known are electronic or other devices which pump air into the
bottle of wine. Still further, funnel type devices are known where
wine is poured through over the glass. While various devices have
been heretofore proposed for the aeration or filtering of wine, a
continuous need for improvement in the relative art remains.
SUMMARY
[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure,
and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of
its features.
[0008] According to one particular aspect, the present teachings
provide an apparatus for aerating and filtering wine from a bottle.
The apparatus includes a first end for receiving at least a portion
of the bottle. The apparatus additionally includes a second end
defining a chamber for receiving the wine. The chamber is in fluid
communication with the bottle. The apparatus further includes an
intermediate portion for filtering and aerating the wine as the
wine passes from the bottle, through the apparatus and to the
chamber.
[0009] According to another particular aspect, the present
teachings similarly provide an apparatus for aerating and filtering
wine from a bottle. The apparatus includes a first end for
insertion into an opening of the bottle. The apparatus additionally
includes a second end for coupling with a secondary container. The
apparatus further includes a central portion for filtering and
aerating the wine as the wine passes from the bottle, through the
apparatus and to the chamber.
[0010] According to yet another particular aspect, the present
teachings provide a method for aerating and filtering wine from a
bottle. The method includes providing an apparatus including a
first end, a second end and an intermediate portion. The method
additionally includes engaging the first end with the wine bottle
and engaging the second end with a secondary container. The method
further includes transferring the wine from the bottle, through the
apparatus and to the secondary container so as to filter and aerate
the wine as the wine passes through the apparatus.
[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. The description and specific examples
in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and
are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0012] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes
only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations,
and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for aerating
and filtering wine in accordance with the present teachings, the
apparatus shown operatively associated with a bottle of wine;
[0014] FIG. 2. is a perspective view of the apparatus for aerating
and filtering wine of FIG. 1, the apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine shown separated from the wine bottle for purposes of
illustration;
[0015] FIG. 2A is a side view of the apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine and the wine bottle of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
A-A.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of another apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine in accordance with the present teachings, the
apparatus incorporating a fluid flow nozzle portion substantially
identical to corresponding structure of the apparatus of FIGS.
1-3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus for aerating
and filtering wine of FIG. 4, the apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine illustrated with the rubber sleeves of FIG. 4
removed for purposes of illustration;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine of FIG. 5; and
[0020] FIG. 7 is an end view of the apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine of FIG. 4.
[0021] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings. It will be
understood that the various elements are drawn to scale throughout
the views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are
skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as
examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a
thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details
need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in
many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit
the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments,
well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known
technologies are not described in detail.
[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The
method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to
be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the
particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically
identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood
that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0025] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or
layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the
other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no
intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to
describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in
a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0026] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer,"
"beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be
used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be
intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use
or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the
figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,
elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or
features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0027] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, an apparatus for
aerating and filtering wine in accordance with the present
teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference
character 10. The apparatus is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 operatively
associated with an exemplary bottle of wine 12. It will be
understood that the bottle of wine 12 is conventional in
construction. In the embodiment illustrated, the bottle is a 750 ml
bottle of wine. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate
that the present teachings are not so limited.
[0028] The apparatus 10 is illustrated to generally include a first
end 14, a second end 16 and an intermediate or central portion 18.
In the embodiment illustrated, the apparatus 10 is unitarily
constructed to include the first end 14, the second end 16 and the
intermediate portion 18. For example, the first end 14, the second
end 16 and the intermediate portion may be unitarily constructed of
plastic or other suitable material.
[0029] The apparatus 10 slides over the top of the bottle of wine
12. In this regard, the first end or lower portion or lower end 14
is illustrated to include a pair of spaced apart arms 20. The
spaced apart arms 20 are adapted to flex slightly relative to one
another to accommodate the bottle 12. Explaining further, the first
end 14 is designed to have an interference fit with the width of
the bottle 12, and may flex (as a leaf spring) to hold itself to an
outer diameter of the bottle 12. The first end 14 allows the
apparatus to fit over a variety of bottles 12.
[0030] The second end 16 or upper end is intended to receive the
liquid contents of the wine bottle 12 when these contents are
aerated and filtered. The second end 16 is designed to be sealed
from liquid leakage and may include a removable cap or lid 22 for
cleaning. In the embodiment illustrated, the second end 16 defines
a chamber 24 designed to hold at least 750 ml (e.g., more than the
full contents of a full size bottle 12 of wine). In other
applications, the chamber 24 may have a greater or lesser capacity
depending on the intended use of the apparatus 10. At the bottom of
the second end, there may be provided a filter over the return
"drain." This filter is intended to filter particles, sediment, and
crystals from the wine, which can naturally occur. The second end
16 defines a flat surface for supporting the bottle 12 when the
bottle 12 is inverted.
[0031] The intermediate portion 18 of the apparatus 10 will be
described with particular reference to the cross-sectional view of
FIG. 3. The intermediate portion or central portion 18 may be
generally cylindrical. An outer diameter of the intermediate
portion 18 may be received within the opening of the bottle 12. A
generally cylindrical opening or through bore may extend through
the intermediate portion. This opening may be divided by a
longitudinally extending central wall 28 which defines a first
channel 30 and a second channel 32. The first and second channels
30, 32 may be generally parallel to one another. As wine exits the
bottle, the first channel 30 may allow the passage of wine and the
second channel 32 may allow the passage of air. As addressed below,
the exit port for the first channel 30 is lower than the exit port
for the second channel 32 when the bottle 12 is invented. As a
result, a higher liquid pressure over the first channel 32
initiates downward flow of the wine through the first channel with
gravity, rather than air flow. On the side proximate the second end
16, the first channel 30 extends beyond the second channel 32 and
thereby extends into the chamber 24. As illustrated, the first
channel terminates at a cylindrical wall defining an end of the
chamber 24.
[0032] The apparatus 10 is designed to be placed on top of the
bottle 12 of opened wine, as shown in FIG. 1. Then, the apparatus
10 and the bottle 12 are inverted by the user and the contents
(e.g., wine) enters the chamber 24. The nozzle or intermediate
portion 18 is designed to allow wine to flow through one channel 30
wholly and air through the other channel 32 when wine exits the
bottle 12. When full, the bottle 12 is returned to the natural
upright position. The wine may flow through the filter 26. In an
opposite manner, the wine returns to the bottle 12 through the
second channel 32 as the second channel 32 sits lower than the
first channel 30 when the bottle 12 is returned to its upright
position. The wine is mixed with air during both steps and
introduces oxygen to the fluid. The flow of the wine into the
chamber 24 is at the center of the circular cross section of the
apparatus 10. The wine flow via gravity in the middle of the wine
pool creates the most desirable aeration, as the velocity of the
falling wine is sufficient to introduce large quantities of air to
the liquid.
[0033] The center diameter 36 is more narrow than the rest of the
apparatus 10 in order for the user to be able to hold with one hand
by forming a "C" shape with their thumb and fingers. As noted
above, the apparatus 10 has a flat cap 22 to allow the apparatus 10
to sit in the upright position on a counter either right side up or
upside down.
[0034] The intermediate portion 18 is designed with two channels
30, 32 to separate air and fluid flow. It is also designed to
maximize flow within a predetermined diameter (the neck of a wine
bottle). The exit ports may have screens or multiple holes in
another embodiment, in order to dissipate the air or fluid flowing
through in order to better aerate.
[0035] Turning to FIGS. 4-7, another apparatus for aerating and
filtering wine is illustrated and generally identified at reference
character 100. The apparatus 100 differs from the apparatus 10 in
that it does not include a receptacle or chamber for receiving the
contents of the bottle 12. Rather, the apparatus 100 may be
removable coupled to a secondary container (e.g., a second, empty
wine bottle) for at least temporarily receiving the wine from the
bottle 12 as the wine is being aerated and filtered. It will be
understood that the portions of the apparatus 100 that aerate and
filter the wine are substantially identical to corresponding
portions on the apparatus 10 to the extent not otherwise described
herein.
[0036] The apparatus 100 is illustrated to generally include a
first end 102, a second end 104 and a central or intermediate
portion 106. In the embodiment illustrated, the apparatus is
unitarily formed of plastic or other suitable materials.
[0037] The intermediate portion or central portion 106 may be
generally cylindrical. An exterior of the central portion 106 may
include a middle section of increased diameter 108. This middle
section may be bounded by a pair of radially extending faces 110.
These faces 110 may abut a bottle, for example. A generally
cylindrical opening or through bore 112 may extend through the
intermediate portion 106. This opening 112 may be divided by a
longitudinally extending central wall 114 which defines a first
channel 116 and a second channel 118. The first and second channels
116, 118 may be generally parallel to one another. When wine is
poured from a first bottle to a second bottle, the first channel
116 may allow the passage of wine and the second channel 118 may
allow the passage of air. On the side proximate the first end 102,
the second channel 118 extends beyond the first channel 116. On the
side proximate the second end 104, the first channel 116 extends
beyond the second channel 118. It will be understood that the
apparatus 100 is effectively symmetrical about the intermediate
portion 106.
[0038] The apparatus 100 is designed to be placed in an open end of
a first wine bottle 12. Either end 102 or 104 may be placed in the
first bottle 12. The bottle 12 with the apparatus 100 in place is
then inverted with the second end 104 of the apparatus 100 engaged
with a second bottle. In this manner, wine from the first bottle
passes through the apparatus 100 and enters a chamber of the second
bottle.
[0039] Similar to the discussion above regarding the apparatus 10,
the nozzle or intermediate portion 106 of the apparatus 100 is
designed to allow wine to flow through the first channel 116 wholly
and air through the second channel 118 when the first bottle is
inverted. When the wine is in the second bottle, the bottles and
the apparatus 100 are next flipped over such that the original or
first bottle is on the bottom and wine returns to the original
bottle. Now, the intermediate portion 106 functions to allow wine
to flow through the second channel 118 wholly and air through the
first channel 116. In both steps, the wine flows through the lower
exit port under the force of gravity. The wine is mixed with air
during both steps and oxygen is introduced to the fluid. The wine
flow via gravity within the apparatus 100 creates the most
desirable aeration, as the velocity of the falling wine is
sufficient to introduce large quantities of air to the liquid. The
exit ports may have screens or multiple holes to dissipate the air
or fluid flowing through in order to better aerate and/or filter
the wine.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 100 may include rubber
grooved sleeves 120. These sleeves 120 seal the fluid from leaking
from the bottle 12 or the secondary container while the apparatus
100 functions. While not illustrated, it will be understood that
the apparatus 10 may include a similar rubber grooved sleeve for
sealing to the bottle 12.
[0041] In both embodiments 10 and 100, the stepped down exit ports
allow liquid to sit lower in the chamber over one of the channels.
This creates higher liquid pressure over this channel and initiates
fluid flow downward with gravity, rather than air flow. The
opposite is true in the lower chamber, where upward air pressure
floats to the higher channel due to the step down. This is designed
to be the opposite channel from the fluid channel travelling down.
This design works in reverse as the bottle is flipped over. In
relation to vertical height, the channel with the lower inlet
results in liquid flow due to a higher hydrostatic pressure, and
the higher channel results in air flow due to lower liquid
hydrostatic pressure.
[0042] Accordingly, two embodiments of an apparatus 10 and 100 for
the aeration and filtering of wine are provided. In one embodiment,
the apparatus 10 has an enclosed chamber that may be placed in
fluid communication with a wine bottle. In another embodiment 100,
a second chamber is provided by a second wine bottle. The apparatus
10 allows the wine bottle to be inverted. Both embodiments 10 and
100 provide a two-way nozzle used for fluid transfer between
chambers. A capturing mechanism is incorporated into the apparatus
10 and used for holding the apparatus 10 to the exterior of the
bottle 12.
[0043] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been
provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual
elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not
limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are
interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if
not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in
many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure
from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *